Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-DC) Washington, DC Metro Area Chapter · 13 hours ago
Director of Development
Lorton, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$105K/yr - $115K/yr
7+ years expGood Shepherd Housing and Family Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and support services to families and individuals at risk of homelessness. The Director of Development is responsible for leading fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and strategic communications to enhance the organization's mission and impact.
Fundraising
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy across individual, corporate, and foundation giving, with the autonomy to pilot new approaches, refine systems, and build scalable practices
Lead donor segmentation, annual fund campaigns, and major gift initiatives, ensuring steady revenue growth and diversified support
Identify and cultivate new prospects, serve as the organization’s primary fundraising expert, prepare the Executive Director for donor meetings, and help advance relationships toward successful commitments
Manage key fundraising events that align with strategic priorities – including an annual golf tournament, a five-year anniversary gala (next in 2029), and occasional special events – focused on deepening donor relationships and organization reputation rather than increasing event volume, with clear revenue, stewardship, and follow-up objectives tied to broader fundraising strategy
Secure sponsorships, oversee logistics, and collaborate with vendors, consultants, and volunteers to deliver events that reinforce the organization’s mission and impact
Direct all donor-facing communications, including newsletters, social media, direct mail, and email appeals – with the ability to design visually compelling materials
Develop messaging for 'urgent need' or rapid-response campaigns that connect donors to immediate impact
Maintain consistent branding and mission-driven storytelling across digital, print, and event channels
Embrace and effectively leverage emerging tools – including AI-assisted writing and design – to enhance messaging, streamline workflows, and increase the reach and impact of fundraising initiatives
Manage social media and digital communication tools, using them strategically to expand GSH’s reach, engage donors, and share compelling stories of impact
Represent GSH at community and industry events, building relationships across the philanthropic, nonprofit, and regional business communities and serving as a visible ambassador for GSH’s mission and impact
Proactively build GSH’s presence and relationships within the Northern Virginia philanthropic, business, and nonprofit communities to expand awareness, partnerships, and long-term investment
Leverage the donor database (currently Bloomerang) to analyze giving trends, track relationships, and inform strategy
Serve as project lead if the organization transitions to a new CRM, ensuring data integrity and adoption across the team
Oversee monthly financial reports to track the annual budget and funding stream goals
Manage and partner with the Development Committee of the Board, comprised of experienced fundraisers and community leaders
Provide clear reporting, strategy updates, and engagement opportunities that empower Board members to support fundraising success
Serve on the leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director and peers to embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization and position fundraising as core organizational infrastructure, not a support function
Supervise one partial direct report and episodic consultants supporting communications, events, and donor engagement
Collaborate across departments to ensure fundraising strategies align with programmatic goals and organizational priorities
Qualification
Required
7+ years of experience in fundraising, marketing, or communications (nonprofit preferred)
Exceptional writer and communicator with strong design instincts
Demonstrated success identifying and cultivating donors, securing gifts, and managing moves management systems
Skilled in using donor databases and financial reports to inform strategy (Bloomerang experience a plus)
Experience managing staff, consultants, or volunteers
Curious and able to quickly learn about affordable housing and community development
Preferred
Prior experience in affordable housing and/or human services is a plus but not required
Benefits
Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care expenses.
403b retirement plan with an employer match of up to 3%.
Paid time off & Holidays: Employees enjoy a generous PTO policy, starting with 15 days in the first year and increasing to 20 days after 2 years and 25 days after 5 years of service.
10 days of sick leave per year.
11 holidays per year, including the day after Thanksgiving, providing a total of 16 paid holidays annually.
Hybrid Work Environment: Opportunity to work 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.
Learning Reimbursements: We believe in investing in the growth and development of our employees.
Company
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-DC) Washington, DC Metro Area Chapter
The Washington DC Metro Area Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP DC) is one of the largest and most active chapters in the nation, offering members the opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage in creative thinking, network with new friends and achieve great results in their work.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase